Strip connector with reliable insertion and ejection

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bodily fluid sampling devices and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a strip connector that provides an orthogonal displacement of the test strip during insertion to directly connect with the electrical contacts.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Medical devices are often used as diagnostic devices and/or therapeutic devices in diagnosing and/or treating medical conditions of patients. For example, a blood glucose meter is used as a diagnostic device to measure blood glucose levels of patients suffering from diabetes. Blood glucose meters use a test strip that receives a blood sample of the patient. The test strip has electrical contacts on the strip that are electrically contacted when the test strip is inserted into the meter. The meter determines a blood glucose level by measuring currents passed through the electrical contacts of the strip, and provides a readout of the glucose level.

Known meters receive the test strip in an insertion direction that also engages the electrical strip conductors of the test strip with the electrical contacts of the meter. Once initial contact is made by the electrical contacts, the thin gold or conductive metal layer applied to the strip conductors may be displaced as the strip continues in the insertion direction until reaching a stop location. Poor electrical contact can result if the conductive metal layer is displaced with respect to the electrical contacts. This can result in error messages being received by the patient, and the need to repeat the sampling/test procedure.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, a strip connector receiving a body fluid test strip to measure a biologic fluid applied to the test strip includes a connector housing having a housing cavity. A strip carrier is movably disposed in the housing cavity of the connector housing. The strip carrier includes a carrier body having a longitudinal strip channel configured to slidably receive a body fluid test strip in an insertion direction. A first biasing member positioned between the strip carrier and the connector housing acts to bias the strip carrier in an ejection direction oppositely directed with respect to the insertion direction. A second biasing member is positioned between the strip carrier and the connector housing and acts orthogonally with respect to the first biasing member. The second biasing member acts to bias the carrier body in a contact direction orthogonally oriented with respect to the ejection direction.

Also according to the present disclosure, a strip connector receiving a body fluid test strip to measure a biologic fluid applied to the test strip includes a connector housing having a housing cavity and a guide feature. A strip carrier slidably disposed in the housing cavity of the connector housing includes a carrier body having a longitudinal strip channel configured to slidably receive a test strip in an insertion direction. A first biasing member is positioned between the strip carrier and the connector housing acting to bias the strip carrier in an ejection direction oppositely directed with respect to the insertion direction. At least one second biasing member contacting the carrier body and in sliding contact with the connector housing acts orthogonally with respect to the first biasing member and acts to bias the carrier body in a contact direction orthogonally oriented with respect to the ejection direction. A male member outwardly extending from the carrier body is slidably received in the guide channel created in the connector housing. The male member contacts a wall of the guide channel preventing displacement of the strip carrier in the contact direction until the male member is axially aligned with and received in a guide channel branch extending orthogonally with respect to the guide channel, that alignment corresponding to alignment of the strip conductors with their respective target electrical contacts.

Further according to the present disclosure, a strip connector receiving a body fluid test strip to measure a biologic fluid applied to the test strip includes a connector housing having a housing cavity. A strip carrier is slidably disposed in the housing cavity of the connector housing. The strip carrier includes a carrier body having: a longitudinal strip channel configured to slidably receive a test strip in an insertion direction; a first biasing member acting to bias the strip carrier in an ejection direction oppositely directed with respect to the insertion direction; and a second biasing member in a first mode orthogonally acting with respect to the first biasing member. The second biasing member acts to bias the carrier body in a contact direction orthogonally oriented with respect to the ejection direction. The second biasing member in a second mode is further partially deflected by motion of the strip carrier in the insertion direction to bias the carrier body in the ejection direction together with the first biasing member. The biasing members are normally unstressed in a “home” position (strip carrier ready to receive a strip) to prevent premature spring force reduction due to relaxation that could occur if the biasing members were in a state of continuous deflection.

Additionally, according to the present disclosure a strip connector receiving a body fluid test strip to measure a biologic fluid applied to the test strip includes a connector housing having a housing cavity. A strip carrier movably disposed in the housing cavity includes a carrier body having a longitudinal strip channel configured to slidably receive a test strip in an insertion direction. A first biasing member acts to bias the strip carrier in an ejection direction oppositely directed with respect to the insertion direction. A second biasing member contacting the carrier body acts orthogonally with respect to the first biasing member to bias the carrier body in a contact direction orthogonally oriented with respect to the ejection direction. At least first and second electrical contacts connected to the connector housing are each individually contacted by a strip conductor of the test strip when the strip carrier is displaced in the contact direction by the second biasing member.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of an exemplary strip connector device of the present disclosure adapted to receive and eject test strips;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a cross sectional side elevational view taken at section <b>2</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> showing a carrier body stop position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a cross sectional side elevational view modified from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> to show a test strip/carrier body displaced condition;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a cross sectional side elevational view modified from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> to show the carrier body following orthogonal displacement to an electrical contact engaged condition;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a cross sectional side elevational view modified from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> to show a carrier body release condition;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a cross sectional side elevational view modified from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> to show a test strip ejection condition;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a top plan view of an exemplary body fluid strip;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a rear elevational assembly view of the strip connector device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a rear elevational assembly view of a further embodiment of a strip connector device of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a strip connector device <b>10</b> includes a strip carrier <b>12</b> which is received in and is slidably displaced with respect to a connector housing <b>14</b>. Strip carrier <b>12</b> includes a carrier body <b>16</b> having a channel opening <b>18</b> defining a longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>. A test strip <b>20</b> is shown prior to being slidably received in an insertion direction “A” into channel opening <b>18</b> by the user of the strip connector device <b>10</b>. Strip <b>20</b> is manually inserted into channel opening <b>18</b> and substantially through longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, strip connector device <b>10</b> further includes a housing cavity <b>22</b> of connector housing <b>14</b> within which carrier body <b>16</b> is slidably disposed. In a strip loaded condition shown, strip <b>20</b> is manually inserted in the insertion direction “A” until strip <b>20</b> completely fills the longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>. Prior to and during insertion of strip <b>20</b>, a carrier body first end face <b>24</b> of carrier body <b>16</b> is biased into contact with a housing first end face <b>26</b> of a housing first end wall <b>28</b> of connector housing <b>14</b>. Contact between carrier body first end face <b>24</b> and housing first end face <b>26</b> is normally maintained by a biasing force created by a first biasing member <b>30</b> positioned between and contacting both carrier body <b>16</b> and a housing second end face <b>32</b> of a housing second end wall <b>34</b> of connector housing <b>14</b>.

Carrier body <b>16</b> further includes a carrier body support wall <b>36</b> defining a planar surface of carrier body <b>16</b>. During sliding receipt of strip <b>20</b>, carrier body support wall <b>36</b> is freely spaced with respect to planar faces of each of a first raised stop <b>38</b> and a second raised stop <b>40</b>, both upwardly extending into body cavity <b>22</b> from connector housing <b>14</b> and integrally connected to connector housing <b>14</b>. This spacing ensures less frictional resistance for sliding motion of the carrier body <b>16</b>. At least a second biasing member <b>42</b> and according to several aspects a third biasing member <b>44</b> are each positioned between and contact both carrier body <b>16</b> and a housing lower wall face <b>46</b> of connector housing <b>14</b>. According to several embodiments, second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are integrally connected to carrier body <b>16</b> and can be co-molded with carrier body <b>16</b> when carrier body <b>16</b> is created of a polymeric material. According to additional embodiments (not shown), second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> can be connected to, but not integrally provided with, carrier body <b>16</b>, or connected to housing lower wall face <b>46</b> of connector housing <b>14</b>. First, second and third biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>42</b> and <b>44</b> can also take the form of coiled compression springs or leaf springs. In the strip receiving condition shown, the biasing force created by first biasing member <b>30</b> acts to bias carrier body <b>16</b> in an ejection direction “B” such that contact between carrier body first end face <b>24</b> and housing first end face <b>26</b> is maintained in this condition. Conversely and acting orthogonally with respect to first biasing member <b>30</b>, in a first mode the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are spaced from or can slidingly contact housing lower wall face <b>46</b> of connector housing <b>14</b> and are maintained in a non-deflected or substantially non-deflected condition as carrier body <b>16</b> slides in either the insertion direction “A” or ejection direction “B”. The second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are subsequently deflected, thereby creating a biasing force acting to displace carrier body <b>16</b> in a contact direction “C” orthogonally oriented with respect to ejection direction “B”, by contact with first and second raised stops <b>38</b>, <b>40</b>. First, second and third biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>42</b> and <b>44</b> are normally unstressed in a “home” position (defined when the strip carrier <b>12</b> is ready to receive a strip <b>20</b>) to prevent premature spring force reduction due to relaxation that could occur if the biasing members were in a state of continuous deflection.

In the carrier body stop position, the biasing force created by each of the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> acting in the contact direction “C” is prevented from displacing carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact direction “C” by direct contact between each of a first and a second male members or guide rod <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> with a guide feature upper face <b>52</b> of a longitudinal guide feature <b>54</b> which can by non-limiting example take the form of a recessed slot, an elongated travel path having external raised or recessed walls, or a U-shaped guide channel. Longitudinal guide feature <b>54</b> is created in a sidewall (not visible in this view) of connector housing <b>14</b>. Each of the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are slidably received in longitudinal guide feature <b>54</b> and are in sliding contact with each of guide feature upper face <b>52</b> and a guide feature lower face <b>56</b>. Each of the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are integrally connected to and extend horizontally outward (toward the viewer as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) from a body lower portion <b>58</b> of carrier body <b>16</b>.

In the carrier body stop position, strip <b>20</b> which was inserted in the insertion direction “A” is brought into direct contact with a strip contact wall <b>60</b> positioned opposite with respect to a carrier body second end face <b>62</b> from which first biasing member <b>30</b> extends. When strip <b>20</b> is in direct contact with strip contact wall <b>60</b>, strip <b>20</b> is also supported by a channel lower surface <b>63</b> of longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>. In the carrier body stop position, at least one and according to several embodiments a plurality of strip conductors <b>64</b> of strip <b>20</b> are oriented facing, but having a clearance space with respect to a barb end <b>66</b> of each of a first and second set of electrical contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>. The electrical contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> can be individual contacts, positioned in rows each having single or multiple contacts each, or similar configurations. According to several embodiments, first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> are fixedly connected to a housing upper wall face <b>72</b> of a housing upper wall <b>74</b> of connector housing <b>14</b>. Also in the carrier body stop position, a contact clearance “D” is maintained between strip conductors <b>64</b> and the barb end <b>66</b> of each of first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> to prevent electrical or mechanical contact between any of the first or second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> and the strip conductors <b>64</b>. As previously noted, the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> which contact the guide feature upper face <b>52</b> of guide feature <b>54</b> prevent the biasing force created by second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> from displacing carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact direction “C” at this time. According to further aspects, in lieu of barb end <b>66</b> used for each of the first and second electrical contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> can be looped or deflectable members which are elastically deflected when strip conductors <b>64</b> are brought into contact with the first and second electrical contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, after the strip <b>20</b> contacts strip contact wall <b>60</b> at a strip contact end <b>76</b>, the user continues to manually push strip <b>20</b> in the insertion direction “A”, thereby further deflecting the first, second, and third biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> until a carrier body stop position shown is reached. The carrier body stop position is defined when first guide rod <b>48</b> contacts a guide feature end wall <b>78</b> of guide feature <b>54</b>. At this time and in a second mode, each of the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are additionally deflected and therefore further biased by contact with each of the first and second raised stop end faces <b>88</b>, <b>90</b> creating an additional biasing force acting in ejection direction “B”. The additional biasing force of second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> acting in ejection direction “B” therefore adds to the biasing force of first biasing member <b>30</b> in the ejection direction “B”. The second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> also continue to bias carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact direction “C”. Therefore, according to several aspects, second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> can create biasing forces acting in each of the ejection direction “B” and the contact direction “C”. When first guide rod <b>48</b> directly contacts guide feature end wall <b>78</b>, first guide rod <b>48</b> is in axial alignment with a guide feature first branch <b>80</b>. At the same time, the second guide rod <b>50</b> is in axial alignment with a guide feature second branch <b>82</b>. First guide rod <b>48</b> is therefore coaxially aligned with a first branch axial centerline <b>84</b>, and second guide rod <b>50</b> is coaxially aligned with a second branch axial centerline <b>86</b> in the carrier body stop position.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, as soon as the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are aligned with the individual guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> defining the strip conductor alignment position, a portion of the biasing force of second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> acts to displace carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact direction “C”. This displacement of carrier body <b>16</b> forces the strip conductors <b>64</b> of strip <b>20</b> into direct contact with the barb end of each of first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, thereby defining a strip conductor contact position. The barb end of the first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> is forced into a gold coating layer of the strip conductors <b>64</b> only in the contact direction “C”, which minimizes horizontal displacement of the gold material layer of strip conductors <b>64</b>. The geometry of each of the guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> is selected to slidably receive the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b>, but not allow horizontal displacement of the carrier body <b>16</b> in either of the insertion direction “A” or ejection direction “B” while the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are received in individual ones of the guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b>. This ensures that the carrier body <b>16</b> only moves in the contact direction “C” to make electrical contact with the first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>. During the time period when carrier body <b>16</b> is displaced in the contact direction “C”, the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> can either remain in direct contact with the first and second raised stop end faces <b>88</b>, <b>90</b> or be displaced therefrom.

Carrier body <b>16</b> displacement in contact direction “C” resulting from the biasing force created in second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> is sufficient to rapidly displace the carrier body <b>16</b>. The patient or user receives a tactile feedback as carrier body <b>16</b> displaces in the contact direction “C” and contacts the first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>. This tactile feedback to the user provides assurance that electrical contact has been created.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, after the user receives tactile indication of contact between strip conductors <b>64</b> and both of the first and second contacts <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, the carrier body <b>16</b> will remain in the contact position until a test signal or test report is created. To subsequently eject strip <b>20</b>, the user can manually press against a carrier body surface <b>92</b> of carrier body <b>16</b> in a contact release direction “E” which is oppositely directed with respect to contact direction “C”. In further embodiments, the strip carrier <b>12</b> can be incorporated in a device housing (not shown) that can provide the user with a press-able button, a distendable area marked with a graphic or similar feature that the user can activate to eject strip <b>20</b>. In the further embodiments no direct user contact with carrier body <b>16</b> is required. In the embodiments depicted, as carrier body <b>16</b> displaces in the contact release direction “E”, each of the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are displaced from within the guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b>. Displacement in the contact release direction “E” occurs until the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> directly contact the guide feature lower face <b>56</b> of guide feature <b>54</b>. Displacement of carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact release direction “E” further recompresses/biases the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> to preload these biasing members for a subsequent connector device operation. Because first biasing member <b>30</b> is maintained in sliding contact with housing second end face <b>32</b> during the sliding motion of carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact release direction “E”, the biasing force of first biasing member <b>30</b> continues to act in the ejection direction “B”. When carrier body support wall <b>36</b> again contacts both of the first and second raised stops <b>38</b>, <b>40</b>, contact clearance “D” is re-established.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, as soon as the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> extend freely out of the guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b>, the biasing force of first biasing member <b>30</b> plus a portion of the biasing forces of second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> slides the carrier body <b>16</b> in the ejection direction “B” until carrier body first end face <b>24</b> of body lower portion <b>58</b> directly contacts housing first end wall <b>28</b>. The amount of biasing force of first biasing member <b>30</b> is selected to rapidly displace carrier body <b>16</b>. The rapid displacement of carrier body <b>16</b> also co-accelerates the strip <b>20</b> such that, as contact between carrier body first end face <b>24</b> and housing first end face <b>26</b> occurs, the velocity of strip <b>20</b> overcomes the frictional contact with the walls of longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b> and strip <b>20</b> freely ejects from longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b> and channel opening <b>18</b>. Following ejection of strip <b>20</b>, strip connector device <b>10</b> is substantially repositioned as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and ready for a subsequent operation by insertion of a new strip. According to several embodiments, an opening <b>94</b> can be provided between a carrier body upper portion end face <b>96</b> and a housing upper wall end face <b>98</b> of housing upper wall <b>74</b>. Opening <b>94</b> provides clearance between the housing upper wall <b>74</b> and carrier body <b>16</b> for motion of carrier body <b>16</b>. The opening <b>94</b>, when not visually blocked by structure of a contact strip housing (not shown) may also be available to visually determine that no portion of a previously used strip <b>20</b> is still retained within longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b> and/or that space is available to receive a new strip <b>20</b>. When the opening <b>94</b> is not visible, protrusion of a dose end of the strip <b>20</b> provides visual indication of the position of strip <b>20</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, an exemplary body fluid test strip <b>20</b> includes a strip body <b>100</b> having a reagent portion <b>102</b> proximate to a strip first end <b>104</b>. An insertion direction indicator <b>106</b> can be provided on strip body <b>100</b> to visually indicate to a user the direction of insertion “A” for insertion into strip connector device <b>10</b>. First and second printed circuit portions <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> of strip conductors <b>64</b> can be provided by etching, ablation, or the like process and located proximate to a strip second end <b>112</b>. It should be evident that contact with the first and second printed circuit portions <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> proximate strip second end followed by continued displacement of strip <b>20</b> in the insertion direction “A” can abrade or remove the material of first and/or second printed circuit portions <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> which can result in faulty electrical contact. The present disclosure therefore provides direct contact with first and second printed circuit portions <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> from a direction facing strip body <b>100</b> as viewed in FIG. <b>7</b> after strip <b>20</b> reaches the strip conductor alignment position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> to prevent contact with first and second printed circuit portions <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> while strip <b>20</b> is still moving in the insertion direction “A”

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, strip connector device <b>10</b>, when separated into its component parts, further includes a strip carrier first side wall <b>114</b> which is oppositely positioned and oriented parallel with respect to a strip carrier second side wall <b>116</b>. Each of the strip carrier first and second side walls <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> include individual ones of the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> integrally connected thereto and extending orthogonally outwardly therefrom. The first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> of strip carrier second side wall <b>116</b> are not clearly visible in this view, but form a mirror image configuration of the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> of strip carrier first side wall <b>114</b>. When strip carrier <b>12</b> is slidably received within connector housing <b>14</b>, as previously noted, the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> of each of the first and second side walls <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> are each individually slidably disposed in one of the guide features <b>54</b>, <b>54</b>′ created in first and second side walls <b>118</b>, <b>120</b> of the connector housing <b>14</b>. Strip carrier <b>12</b> further includes first and second strip stop members <b>122</b>, <b>124</b> which define each of the strip contact walls <b>60</b>. The first and second strip stop members <b>122</b>, <b>124</b> are positioned in an open space between strip carrier first and second extending walls <b>126</b>, <b>128</b> which each include a strip guide edge <b>129</b>. The spacing between strip guide edges <b>129</b> of the strip carrier first and second extending walls <b>126</b>, <b>128</b> slidably receive and axially align the strip <b>20</b> during its sliding motion within longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>.

According to several embodiments, the strip carrier <b>12</b> can be assembled with respect to connector housing <b>14</b> by outwardly elastically deflecting the connector housing first and second side walls <b>118</b>, <b>120</b> to permit the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> to be slidably received between connector housing first and second side walls <b>118</b>, <b>120</b> which elastically rebound to their parallel positions shown when the first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are received in the individual guide features <b>54</b>, <b>54</b>′. The first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> thereafter provide for retention of strip carrier <b>12</b> while also permitting sliding motion of strip carrier <b>12</b> with respect to connector housing <b>14</b>. The male members or first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> can take multiple forms, such as tubular extensions, rounded extensions, or other geometric shapes. It is further noted that each of the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are configured to elastically deflect when the strip carrier <b>12</b> is received in connector housing <b>14</b>. This elastic deflection provides the biasing force for subsequent displacement of the strip carrier <b>12</b> in the contact direction “C”, previously described herein. Second and third biasing members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> as well as first biasing member <b>30</b> can be provided in multiple forms, including but not limited to planar, curved, or multi-planar bodies, coil springs, leaf springs, and the like. First, second and third biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> can be integrally connected, fixedly connected, releasably attached, or the like to strip carrier <b>12</b>, and can also be individually provided as two or more biasing items which together perform the function of the individual biasing member.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref>, according to additional embodiments, a strip connector device <b>130</b> is modified from strip connector device <b>10</b> to eliminate the requirement for first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> and therefore to eliminate the requirement for the guide features <b>54</b>. Strip connector device <b>130</b> includes a connector housing <b>132</b> which slidably receives a strip carrier <b>134</b>. Connector housing <b>132</b> includes a housing upper wall <b>136</b> which provides at least one and according to several embodiments a plurality of electrical contacts <b>138</b>. The strip carrier <b>134</b> is initially slidably received within a housing open end <b>140</b> and restrained against removal in the contact direction “C” by oppositely positioned housing side walls <b>142</b> (only a first one of housing side walls <b>142</b> is visible in this view). Each of the housing side walls <b>142</b> are mirror images of the other and include first and second branches or side wall slots <b>144</b>, <b>146</b> which are upwardly recessed with respect to a side wall lower face <b>148</b> as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. A third side wall slot <b>150</b>, which can be recessed to a lesser height with respect to side wall lower face <b>148</b>, opens into second side wall slot <b>146</b>. The third side wall slot <b>150</b> includes a slot end wall <b>152</b>.

The strip carrier <b>134</b> of strip connector device <b>130</b> includes a substantially planar carrier body <b>154</b> having opposed, generally U-shaped first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b>. Each of the first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b> includes one of a first or second overhang wall portion <b>160</b>, <b>162</b>. A strip channel <b>164</b> is formed between first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b>, and a strip <b>20</b> is slidably retained within the strip channel <b>164</b> by the first and second overhang wall portions <b>160</b>, <b>162</b> for a portion of a sliding distance of the strip within strip channel <b>164</b>. The strip carrier <b>134</b> also includes a beveled channel edge <b>166</b> at an inlet to the strip channel <b>164</b> to help align the strip between the first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b> for sliding displacement in the insertion direction “A”. Each of the first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b> include raised bosses which when aligned with individual ones of the first and second side wall slots <b>144</b>, <b>146</b> are received in a similar manner that first and second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> were received within the guide feature first and second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> as described in reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. These bosses include a first side wall first raised boss <b>168</b> which extends from a first side wall upper surface <b>170</b> and a first side wall second raised boss <b>172</b> which also extends from first side wall upper surface <b>170</b>. Similarly, second carrier sidewall <b>158</b> includes each of a second side wall first raised boss <b>174</b> and a second sidewall second raised boss <b>176</b>. Each of the first and second side wall first and second raised bosses <b>168</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b>, <b>176</b> are positioned in sliding contact with the side wall lower face <b>148</b> until the individual bosses align with individual ones of the first or second side wall slots <b>144</b>, <b>146</b>. At this time the biasing force of the second and third biasing members <b>42</b>′, <b>44</b>′ displace the bosses into the respective ones of the first or second side wall slots <b>144</b>, <b>146</b>, which permits direct contact between the strip and the contacts <b>138</b>.

Once contact with the electrical contacts <b>138</b> is completed the strip carrier <b>134</b> is manually displaced in the contact release direction “E”. At this time the biasing force of first biasing member <b>30</b>′, together with a biasing force of second and third biasing members <b>42</b>′, <b>44</b>′ acting in the ejection direction “B” displace the strip carrier <b>134</b> in the ejection direction “B” until the boss stop face <b>178</b> of the first side wall second raised boss <b>172</b> and the second side wall second raised boss <b>176</b> contact the slot end wall <b>152</b> of third side wall slot <b>150</b> of each of the housing side walls. Contact between boss stop face <b>178</b> and slot end wall <b>152</b> prevents the total removal of the strip carrier <b>134</b> with respect to connector housing <b>132</b> in the ejection direction “B”, but permits the continued ejection of the individual strip <b>20</b>.

Each of the first and second carrier side walls <b>156</b>, <b>158</b> include an overhang end face <b>180</b> which provides an open or free space proximate to each of a first and second strip stop members <b>182</b>, <b>184</b> extending upwardly from a free end of planar carrier body <b>154</b>. The first and second strip stop members <b>182</b>, <b>184</b>, similar to the first and second strip stop members <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, act as a sliding stop for the strip <b>20</b> as the strip completes its sliding displacement through strip channel <b>164</b>, and position the printed circuit board portions of strip <b>20</b> in alignment with the electrical contacts <b>138</b>.

During use, a strip connector device <b>10</b>, <b>130</b> of the present disclosure receives a body fluid test strip <b>20</b> to measure a biologic fluid applied to the test strip <b>20</b>. The strip connector device <b>10</b>, <b>130</b> includes the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b> having a cavity <b>22</b>, <b>133</b> and a male member guide feature <b>54</b>, <b>135</b>. A strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> is slidably disposed in the cavity <b>22</b>, <b>133</b> of the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b>. The strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> includes a carrier body <b>16</b> having a longitudinal strip channel <b>19</b>, <b>164</b> configured to slidably receive the test strip <b>20</b> in the insertion direction “A”. The first biasing member <b>30</b>, <b>30</b>′ is positioned between the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> and the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b> and acts to bias the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> in the ejection direction “B” oppositely directed with respect to the insertion direction “A”. At least one second biasing member <b>42</b>, <b>42</b>′ contacts the carrier body <b>16</b> and is in sliding contact with the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b>. The at least one second biasing member <b>42</b>, <b>42</b>′ acts orthogonally with respect to the first biasing member <b>30</b>, <b>30</b>′ and acts to bias the carrier body <b>16</b> in the contact direction “C” which is orthogonally oriented with respect to the ejection direction “B”. The male member (first and/or second guide rods <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> or the first sidewall first and second raised bosses <b>168</b>, <b>172</b>, and/or the second sidewall first and second raised bosses <b>174</b>, <b>176</b>) outwardly extend from the carrier body <b>16</b> and is/are slidably received with respect to the guide feature <b>54</b>, <b>135</b> created in the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b>. The male member is in contact with a wall (guide feature upper face <b>52</b> or side wall lower face <b>148</b>) of the guide feature <b>54</b>, <b>135</b> thereby preventing displacement of the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> in the contact direction “C” until the male member is axially aligned with and received in the guide feature branch (guide feature first/second branches <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> or first/second side wall slots <b>144</b>, <b>146</b>) extending orthogonally with respect to the guide feature <b>54</b>, <b>135</b>.

First and second electrical contacts (<b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, <b>138</b>) are connected to the connector housing <b>14</b>, <b>132</b>. The first and second electrical contacts (<b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, <b>138</b>) are each individually contacted by a strip conductor <b>64</b> of the test strip <b>20</b> when the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> is displaced in the contact direction “C” by the second biasing member (<b>42</b>, <b>42</b>′) and/or the third biasing member (<b>44</b>, <b>44</b>′), thereby defining a strip conductor contact position (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). Electrical contact is made with the test strip by moving the test strip in the contact direction “C” which is orthogonally oriented with respect to the insertion direction “A” and/or the ejection direction “B”. After electrical contact is made with the test strip <b>20</b>, the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> is manually displaced in the contact release direction “E”, elastically biasing the second and third biasing members (<b>42</b>, <b>42</b>′, <b>44</b>, <b>44</b>′) until the male members are displaced out of the guide feature <b>54</b>, <b>135</b>. The first biasing member <b>30</b>, <b>30</b>′ thereafter displaces the strip carrier <b>12</b>, <b>134</b> and the test strip <b>20</b> in the ejection direction “B”. A velocity of both the strip carrier (<b>12</b>, <b>134</b>) and the test strip <b>20</b> achieved when both are displaced in the ejection direction “B” is maintained by the test strip <b>20</b> after the strip carrier (<b>12</b>, <b>134</b>) contacts housing first end wall <b>28</b> or when the boss stop faces <b>178</b> contact the slot end walls <b>152</b>. This retained velocity permits test strip <b>20</b> to be thereby ejected from the strip carrier (<b>12</b>, <b>134</b>). Optionally, test strip <b>20</b> can also be manually removed from the strip carrier (<b>12</b>, <b>134</b>).

The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.

This detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method can be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure.

The apparatuses and methods described herein can be implemented by one or more computer programs or applications executed by one or more processors. The computer programs and applications can include processor-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs can also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.